Volunteers help St. Marys man rebuild home

ST. MARYS - Volunteers with The Resource and Opportunity Center are building a new home for a local resident after his previous one was condemned and demolished.

The nonprofit ministry calls the project on South Vine Street the House That God Built. It is the St. Marys-based organization's first major undertaking since it was launched in 2012.

The ROC, located at 702 E. Spring St., is a faith-based organization directed by the husband and wife team of Joe and Bev Hurlburt. The ministry assists residents of Auglaize and Mercer counties and others who seek freedom from poverty and dependence on government and outside help.

The new home is being built for a lifelong St. Marys resident who owns the property. Joe Hurlburt said the man is a great candidate because he has good credit and no debt - important attributes when being selected for such a project.

The operation by ROC is similar to ones coordinated by Habitat for Humanity. But since no Habitat affiliates are in Auglaize or Mercer County, the group felt the project would be a great endeavor for the community.

"We're behind this. The mayor is behind this. We need the community to be behind this as well," he added.

Construction commenced Sept. 9 but the idea began much earlier.

"It's been a two-year process. The physical construction started in September but the paperwork and working with the city goes back to 2012," Hurlburt said.

On Friday, Keith Berger and a dozen other volunteers used a trailer full of tools from the Missionary Church East Central Region Crisis Relief in Troy to set the home's exterior frame.

"When we have the opportunity to do something, we call the volunteers in, and God provides us a beautiful day to work," Berger said.

His goal was to complete the framing work that day, he said.

"We hope to do a week's worth of work in a day," he added.

The Missionary Church workday was the largest turnout of volunteers so far, according to Hurlburt.

"Right now it's all been specialty work," he said.

Hurlburt said specialized workers laid blocks, poured concrete and inserted insulation around the blocks.

"I can't put a specific date to the end of the project, but we would like to have him in the house before cold weather," he said about the construction timeline.

The ROC is trying to raise $50,000 to cover all the materials necessary to build the home. So far, they have collected $40,000 through fundraising efforts and the receipt of a federal grant. Donations continue to be accepted and benefits the effort 100 percent, organizers said.

The ROC had a fund-raising raffle for a shopping spree that will take place at 9 a.m. Thursday at Pantry Pride in St. Marys.

Hurlburt did not know if The ROC will take on another project similar to the House That God Built. It would depend on continued support from the community and the city and if qualified candidates are found.

"It's not out of the question," he said, remaining optimistic. "We are always looking for volunteers."

Anyone interested in volunteering can call 419-300-5277.